Which Company Culture Is Best For You?

Join Isaiah as he examines the four most common types of company culture and explores their major differences

In this week’s episode:

• First, Isaiah discusses the impact company culture has on how employees and customers perceive the business
• Next, he explains that understanding the differences from one company to another is a great way to determine if you’re the type of employee who will thrive – or fail – in that company’s infrastructure.
• Finally, Isaiah explores the four different types of company culture, as identified by professors Robert E. Quinn and Kim Cameron

From This Week’s Show…

Company Culture Is An Extension Of Its Brand And Reflects Its Values

Company culture is a term that you hear a lot, but the definition can feel a little hard to pin down. 

A report by Hubspot defined the concept as the promise a business makes to its employees and candidates about what it’s really like to work with them. 

Company culture can have a huge impact on how others perceive an entire company, not just what they do. 

It’s also been linked to employee satisfaction and productivity. 

A company’s culture is not static – it changes over time and adapts to the evolving needs of a business. 

But in order to change, business should be able to articulate what its company culture is and isn’t. 

Understanding the differences from one company culture to another is a great way to determine if you’re the type of employee who will thrive – or fail – in that company’s infrastructure. 

Professors Robert E. Quinn and Kim Cameron completed the foundational research on company culture types in the 1980s. 

Startups Are Great Examples Of An Ad Hocracy Culture

The first type is adhocracy culture. This environment places creativity and innovation on a pedestal. 

Employees who thrive in this kind of culture are those willing to take risks and be industry disrupters. 

These companies are boundary-pushers, always coming up with new and exciting ideas. Here, employees are encouraged to speak up and try new things. 

However, this company culture might not be the best fit for someone who prizes stability or is intimidated by the idea of jumping in feet first.

Workplaces That Focus On Comraderie And Connection Practice Clan Company Culture

A second type of company culture is clan culture. 

In this kind of workplace, a company’s success is tied to comradery, collaboration and a sense of community. 

Employees who thrive in this environment are ones who are good at working with others and communicating effectively. 

You might hear employees here often say that their coworkers are like a family; this is by design. 

Leadership at clan culture companies are looked to more as mentors than supervisors. 

The downside to all this acceptance? 

This company culture could be challenging when employees get along too well, increasing chatter and hampering productivity. 

Company Cultures That Prize Order And Clear Expectations Are Heirarchical

Companies that have adopted a third type of culture, hierarchy culture, prize order, structure and process. 

Leaders here are focused on making sure that everything is delivered on time and is of high quality – they are facilitators of productivity. 

You’ll thrive in this environment if you like clear communication, well-defined processes and having a strong understanding of expectations. 

The downside, however, is that prizing productivity over growth can stifle innovation. 

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